Former Arsenal midfielder Paul Merson has commented on Arsenal offered Theo Walcott and money in exchange for Raheem Sterling, Liverpool would have managed “the best deal ever”.
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Sky Sports report that the pundit was baffled by the England international’s decision to reject a new deal at Anfield, worth a reported £100,000 a week. Merson believes that Sterling has burnt his bridges at our club, and those closest to him have to shoulder much of the blame.
“I think he’s going to struggle. The fans will be on his back very quickly. He should get his head down and take the money. He’s been badly advised. Actually, badly advised isn’t even the word – it’s worse than that,” he explained.
He also revealed that he has doubts over whether the 20-year-old will feature as prominently as he does currently for us as he is not sure that he is the kind of player that Gunners fans would like to see plying their trade at the Emirates.
“If Theo Walcott goes to Liverpool, Raheem Sterling goes to Arsenal and Liverpool get some money, I think Liverpool have had the best deal ever,” added Merson.
“If he goes to Arsenal, will he play? I don’t think he’s an Arsenal player. I don’t think he gets his head up or moves the ball quick enough.”
With Arsenal currently flying high in the Premier League, Merson suggests that moves similar to this in the past have ended badly for the player concerned, as game time has been at a premium.
“Look at Scott Sinclair, he would have played 30 times for England now if he didn’t go to Manchester City – everybody knew he wasn’t going to play at City. I can see similarities between Sinclair and Sterling.”